STUDIES FROM BRETHREN IN CHRIST

SERMON MENU SELECTIONS

9/21/2012 ~ Peace of Mind


This is a tough world to find sanctuary in,
especially with Satan tearing at our spirits.
Many adults miss the innocence of youth with the complications of age.
SOME THINGS WE ALL HAVE IN COMMON.
We should all desire a greater sense
of Spirituality and Personal Happiness.

   1. Seek to eliminate suspicion
    and resentment

Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, ... ~ Proverbs 27:4
\  |  /
Don't nurse a grudge
/  |  \
 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. ...
~ James 5:9

He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is
no cause for stumbling in him. ... ~ 1st John 2:10-11
\  |  /
Cultivate love
/  |  \
 ... If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love
has been perfected in us. ~ 1st John 4:7-12

Hate is the cancer consuming one in bitterness.
The cure is spotless, a pure heart in union with God.

... be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
~ 2nd Peter 3:14

   2. Do not live in the past

→ Pre-occupation leads to aching depression
                 ⭩
 He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses
and forsakes them will have mercy. ~ Proverbs 28:13

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1st John 1:9
                   \  |  /
If living in the past - repent
                   /  |  \
 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and
their lawless deeds I will remember no more." ~ Hebrews 8:12

~ God has told us that he will forgive us.
To move on and be strengthened, one must forgive oneself.
The anchors of sorrow must be released.

     3. Do not waste time and energy
     fighting conditions you can not change

Some things just cannot be changed and must be endured.

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
~ 1st Timothy 6:8
                  \  |  /
Learn to be content.
                  /  |  \
 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content
with such things as you have. ... ~ Hebrews 13:5

If you’re not content with what you have right now,
... you never will be.

    4. Make yourself stay involved
     with the living world

→ Resist the temptation to withdraw.

"It is not good that man should be alone; ..." ~ Genesis 2:18

 Sorrow and the lack of engagement leaves one hollow.

... but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any
of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
                         \  |  /
The church is for our benefit
                         /  |  \
 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... ~ Hebrews 10:24-25

    5. Do not indulge in self pity
     when life hands you a raw deal
                  ⭨ ↓ ⭩
 → All have "fiery trials"
                   /  |  \
 ... do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened to you; ... ~ 1st Peter 4:12-14

- We're promised a way of escape
↓
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God
is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,
... ~ 1st Corinthians 10:13

 - Others have overcome
/     |     \
... Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ... ~ 1st Peter 5:8-10

... that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33

... casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. ~ 1st Peter 5:6-7

It is a matter of submitting to the Lord.
Faith is found in strength of trust.

    6. Cultivate love, joy, compassion,
     loyalty and good humor

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. ... ~ Galatians 5:22-23
\  |  /
Christians are to be filled with the Spirit.
/  |  \
... be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ...
~ Ephesians 5:18-21

The spirit of L♥ve heals the greatest of fools.

    7. Don’t expect too much of yourself
— Don't set unreasonable goals.

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world,
and loses his own soul? ..." ~ Matthew 16:26

— Be a faithful Christian.           

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ... ~ Philippians 2:3

But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves
in the abundance of peace. ~ Psalms 37:11

● For us alive, simply waiting for God can be better    
than if consumed by self-seeking grand expectations.
~
God did not promise us a lifestyle, He promised us life.
His desire is to create us from the inside, not the outside.

    8. Have something bigger and better
     than yourself to believe in

┌─> Innocence of heart.                             
— Children trust in someone bigger and better than themselves.

Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; ... ~ Psalms 62:1-2
                     \  |  /
— Put your faith in God            
                     /  |  \
 ... things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure, ... meditate on these things. ~ Philippians 4:5-8

Truly, one must meditate on what is good to obtain peace of mind.

PEACE OF MIND = HEART OF GOD

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... ~ Colossians 3:15

The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness,
quietness and assurance forever. ~ Isaiah 32:17

1. Seek to eliminate suspicion
    and resentment

 2. Do not live in the past

 3. Do not waste time and energy
     fighting conditions you can not change

 4. Make yourself stay involved
     with the living world

 5. Do not indulge in self pity
     when life hands you a raw deal

 6. Cultivate love, joy, compassion,
     loyalty and good humor

 7. Don’t expect too much of yourself

 8. Have something bigger and better
     than yourself to believe in

... Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace;
and the God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2nd Corinthians 13:11

PEACE OF MIND IS A MEASURE OF FAITH

I would like to yet again Thank my brother in Christ, Richard Thetford



 

SERMON MENU SELECTIONS


Love
Edify
Order
top

Home
Page		 Chimney
Scriptures		 Prayer Conduct Salvation Sin ~ Spirit Miracles,
Parables,
& Prophecies
Holy Spirit Death TimeLines Bible Notes Ongoing
Journey		 Sermons About
me		 Links


Copyright © 2012 by Ronald Arthur Bert. ‏ ‏ All rights reserved.